Steve’s been tasked with a surprising amount of personal washing and general cleanliness protocol ahead of his operation, as today’s show reveals. Subscribers are also privy to the shaving that will occur before the procedure. Did Brendan really bike to Michigan City, or was it Instagram false advertising? Buzz joins us today, with his thoughts on “Obsession,” outliving Bob Dylan, and some general observations about the pant leg width, suit sizes and miraculous hair styles of the NBC 5 News.

Steve has officially been cleared for surgery, and with his recovery approaching, Ed Silha takes over engineering duties while Steve rides shotgun in preparation for the transition. Brendan summons three Johns in an eerie preview of an upcoming A Christmas Carol remake, the debate over Boomers versus Generation Jones continues, Steve wonders about the significance of the hairnet in gang culture, Joe Gaspar stands by for nursing duty if needed, and a legendary Irish bar gets a birthday shoutout from a Chicago expat.

Steve was an early riser today, as he went in for the final of his pre-surgery tests. Meanwhile Brendan had a dream about the surgery, and it was a success, despite the odd surroundings. Dag got a new song idea started this morning. He wasn’t sure how it happened, but Steve went on a trip to Meijer on Sunday and came home without his lights on. Also, our fine subscribers have nothing but well wishes for Steve on this Talk To Me Tuesday.

Steve encountered some problems getting to sleep last night, and wonders if it’s due to the information he keeps receiving about his upcoming procedure. Janet surprised him with a hug that nearly sent him off his feet. Tom Thayer joins us, with Bears training camp about to heat up. He has no further details on the upcoming Bears-themed Hallmark movie. Brendan witnessed the delightful Savannah Bananas game at Wrigley, while Dag wowed them at the Newport Folk Fest.

Steve enjoyed some of Janet’s homemade nachos, yet the grandkids turned their noses at the delicious meal. He knocked back a couple of Uncrustables for lunch too. Also, for the Dahl household today, it’s out with the old and in with the new; garage refrigerator, that is. Buzz joins us today, to share his unforgettable snooze alarm, tell us of his aggressive cold remedy, and to reveal his heretofore unknown pre-Buzz nickname.

Steve picked up a dead bird on the driveway and discovered a colony of ants. The ants followed him inside the house, apparently. We are joined by Jim Fabbrini, whose first concert was the bespectacled British rock legend, Elton John at Chicago Stadium. The loud sound still sticks with him. Jim’s got an unbelievable rose special that’s just for DahlCast subscribers. A Floridiot behaves badly (imagine that) at Lowe’s.

Last night’s backyard family part was everything Janet and Steve hoped it would be. We’ve got some final World Cup thoughts before we send the event away for four years. Steve tried to summon a ghost but got the IRS instead. The “Jiver” wants to tell you about frozen bananas. Tom Thayer was never late to football practice. He did narc on teammates who tried to sneak into the film room after a session started.

Preparations are underway for tonight’s family party in Steve’s honor. Janet’s got a mouthwatering dessert in the offing and Steve’s hoping for an extra slice or two. Speaking of parties, we learn about the Hinsdale Kitchen Walk from Brendan, via the Wall Street Journal; Steve is well aware of this event and describes the vibe to us. Dag has one problem with the smoke of a distant fire. Also, it’s a Talk To Me Tuesday, where we talk *your* calls!

Steve watched a Noah Kahan documentary and found that he had lots in common with the popular singer. He also shared a playlist from his morning walk with Rosie. Hospital waiting rooms only play HGTV, for everyone’s overall relaxation. Dag is podcasting from the UP. Steve went to the pool at the club against his will, and Mike commented on his parents having a marital spat. Luckily, there is a backyard pool party scheduled for tomorrow.

Biting his tongue about his blocked driveway leads to a good karmic event for Steve. Discussion on the Home Run Derby’s branded magenta ball finds us pondering our favorite sports movies and our deserted island LPs as well. Buzz joins us for some spoilers, as well as his thoughts on the format of the show. Steve had a mind-bending dream that left him relieved to wake up.Buzz was “mesmerized” by Janet’s podcast appearance on last week’s show. Brendan plays matchmaker for Steve’s and Buzz’s robots.